JCCV and ADC outraged at violent restaurant antisemitic attack
MEDIA RELEASE 19 August 2007
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) are outraged at the recent violent antisemitic attack, targeting a Jewish-owned restaurant and its customers.
Last night, three young adults yelled antisemitic abuse and damaged cars parked outside a popular Jewish restaurant, prior to smashing part of the restaurant’s shopfront and then attacking one of the customers who was punched in the face. The victim was lightly injured. Police were called to the scene to assist and investigate the antisemitic attack. No arrests were made as the perpetrators had left the scene by the time the police arrived.
Approximately half an hour later another assault took place at the same restaurant. Apparently the original perpetrators returned to the scene, only this time armed with baseball bats. An orthodox Jew was hit with the bats numerous times all over his body. While hitting their victim, the perpetrators were yelling antisemitic abuse (F***ing Jew). The victim was lightly injured. The police again attended the scene to render assistance. No arrests have yet been made as the perpetrators had left the scene but police investigations are continuing. It is interesting to note that these incidents occurred within a few hundred metres of where Menachem Vorchheimer was attacked nine months ago in yet another violent antisemitic attack.
The JCCV and ADC released a joint statement regarding this incident:
“We are outraged at this violent antisemitic attack which was perpetrated in the heart of the Jewish community. This senseless attack should be condemned by all Australians. Members of the Jewish community should not be subjected to these sorts of attacks under any circumstances”.
“It is a major concern that the three perpetrators remain at large. We call on them to hand themselves in to the authorities. We have complete faith in the Victoria Police Force to undertake their investigation in this serious case of antisemitism. We take this opportunity to commend the Victoria Police Force for their immediate and appropriate response to the incident.”
Ends.
The B'nai B'rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) is the human rights arm of B'nai B'rith Australia/New Zealand and is dedicated to combating antisemitism and all forms of racism.
The views expressed in this Media Release are that of the organisation alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the individual Council of Advisors.
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Antisemitism 